Little change expected in Acushnet flood insurance

Town Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly went before the Board of Selectmen Monday evening to report on results of Federal Emergency Management Agency's recent redrawing of flood maps in town.

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By NICHOLAS WALECKA

southcoasttoday.com

By NICHOLAS WALECKA

Posted Aug. 29, 2013 at 10:36 AM

By NICHOLAS WALECKA

Posted Aug. 29, 2013 at 10:36 AM

» Social News

Town Conservation Agent Merilee Kelly went before the Board of Selectmen Monday evening to report on results of Federal Emergency Management Agency's recent redrawing of flood maps in town.

Ms. Kelly said that based on what she's seen from the new maps, no residents of Acushnet should have to worry about changes in their flood insurance.

"For the most part, they have not changed," said Kelly, noting that the only major changes were the addition of some "velocity zones" within the town. "It didn't look like anyone was going to be impacted with any new flood insurance."

Ms. Kelly noted that the town or anyone with issues with the new zoning have 90 days to appeal to FEMA, but that the only basis for an appeal is scientific knowledge that the facts are wrong.

"You really have to have your stuff together to take it to FEMA," she said.

Ms. Kelly stated that she would look further into the velocity zones, which are areas that are more likely to be flooded.

"They're claiming that we have velocity zones," said Ms. Kelly. "I don't know if we have to have insurance there."

Members of the Historical Commission were also on hand to express their interest in the recently renovated but not yet complete Perry Hill Church.

"We'd like to turn it into an art and cultural center," said Frank Grace of the Commission, noting that the cultural center title would allow for several different uses such as art exhibitions, meetings, presentations, farmers market, and countless other uses. "Included in that list would be something that can serve a useful purpose."

Mr. Grace noted that the Historical Commission would seek support to go for Community Preservation funding to complete the renovation, and selectmen gave them that support.

"We've been able to save that (building) from ruin," said Mr. Dakin. "I'm all for applying for additional money from the CPC, particularly for finishing the outside. I'm personally kind of reluctant to limit the venue to one use. What we'd like to do is finish the building and get it tight and then figure out the uses."

Selectman Kevin Gaspar said that still they're a distance away from finishing the exterior of the building.

"I think that when we get the building close to restored, we can talk more about the different uses," said Mr. Gaspar.

He added that eventually the selectmen would like to get the building on the state's Historical Register to get additional funding to renovate the building.

"I would like to see if we can get an article on the town meeting warrant for October to at least finish the outside and then see what they can do with the inside," said Mr. Gaspar. "I would hate to put that investment into the building and have it just sit there to rot."

Mr. Dakin said that he's all for having Historical Commission go before the CPC for funding, but they need a plan for what needs to be done and a timeline.

"There's no time like the present," said Mr. Dakin, noting that they have until Sept. 18 to submit a warrant for approval.

Mr. Grace said that they'd get back to board with a plan before their next meeting on Sept. 9.

In other news, Mike Desrosiers from the Park Department was on hand to discuss future projects at Pope Park.

"It'll save us quite a bit of money," said Mr. Desrosiers, referring to an agreement between the town and Old Colony, where students will provide labor for some different projects, including an addition to the current playground.

Mr. Desrosiers estimated that there is a 40 x 20 foot area in playground that they're looking for ideas for.

"We're going to take the measurements and report on them at the next meeting," said Mr. Desrosiers, who noted that they're still looking for ideas as to what people would like to see for an additional piece of equipment. "I just want to get the word out. Any suggestions can be sent to the park department."

Mr. Desrosiers thanked Town Administrator Alan Coutinho for reaching out to Old Colony, and added that the surveillance system installed over last winter and spring had worked well.

"We were able to catch an act of vandalism," he said. "Once the new police station comes online, it's going to be a lot more proactive."